This may be OT since strictly speaking it’s about hardware… I trust it is ok to post it given the spirit of the community, but have my apologies and feel free to remove it if it’s not.
I’m looking to replace my old Bose QC25, since they have recently died (after a long a fulfilling life), but it seems everything nowadays is bluetooth (which I don’t mind) and require some proprietary app to turn ANC on/off (which I do mind… are physical buttons/switches become too expensive to include in your overpriced earbuds?).
Anyway… do you know of any headphones/earbuds that meet the following?
- can be powered via wire or have batteries that last 12+hrs (long-haul flights)
- have decent noise cancelling
- don’t require me to install a apps or can be used with some open source app (possibly with full functionality and straightforward to setup)
- are not overly expensive (I have to buy 2 pairs and I’ll only use them a few times a year when I fly)
Why not just go with some classic wired closed backs (ex: audio-technica ath-m50x)? They tend to keep a lot of noise out. If ANC is a must, i cant really suggest anything as i find most implementations annoying, but im sure there are wired headphones with ANC.
Seems like going wireless would limit your options A LOT with that 12h requirement
You can also increase the passive noise cancelling by replacing the earpads for felt / velour or fabric lined ones, though bear in mind it will also affect the “feel” of the sound as it reacts differently to the stock PU leather.
Some headphones/earbuds are enabled in gadgetbridge.
Yeah, gadgetbtidge was my first thought as well. I’ve never used it, but in theory it would allow you to control devices without the proprietary app. See the link below for supported devices:
I personally use two pairs that satisfy most of your criteria:
- Jabra Elite 85t. You switch between ANC/passthrough by double-clicking the right bud; it doesn’t need the app to do that. However, if your 12 h requirement is about consecutive hours, they won’t work (buds last about 5 h, plus 20 h from the case). They’re pretty compact and the case is magnetic, which I really like (coming from 65t model).
- Sony WH1000XM5. Insanely good ANC and nice battery life. There’s a physical button on the left cup to toggle between modes, which I believe are set to ANC/passthrough by default. The app lets you add a third mode (off), so you don’t need it at all.
I had a similar approach about headphones as you had - I only planned to use them for work, specifically Teams meetings in a loud office. But XM5s have such great ANC and sound quality that I now commute and travel with them.
For gaming, I’m using HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless. They have an unbelievable 300 hours battery life and decent passive noise canceling, though no ANC. They’re using a proprietary wireless connection, making them fit for gaming without noticeable lags (Bluetooth sucks in this regard, I can’t play with 300 ms audio delay). Not sure if you can connect them to a phone.
I wasn’t aware that any required an app. Weird!
I have a pair of Sony XM2s. While Sony does have an app, it’s not necessary for ANC. You only need the app to do ear shape analysis and atmospheric pressure adjustment – neither of which seems particularly important to me after using it for a few years.
From a quick review check, it looks like the latest one (XM5) is similar. From https://www.soundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-71783/ :
Pressing the NC/AMB button will toggle the ANC mode. You can select either ANC, ANC off, or Ambient sound modes
The wm3 does not need software for the analysis.
Sony’s headphones at least up until the xm4 let you enable anc via long press of a button, not sure if they last 12 hours though
I’ve never had wireless earbuds ask me to install an app.
Soundcore Q20 and Q30 have a physical button with no need for an app, I don’t know if their newer models are still like this. The Q30 also have a proprietary app to configure some things (like EQ), however a big plus here is the existence of an open source app on IzzyOnDroid’s repo that can also do this.
The Microsoft Surface headphones have a spinning dial on one ear that allows you to set the specific amount of ANC you’d like.
They have an app, but it’s only used for firmware updates and changing the action button. You don’t need the app at all ever if you don’t care about those.
The ANC was not as good as my Sony’s, but I can’t change the ANC on the Sony’s without an app.
Take a look at Valco. They’re the best headphone you will get for your money! https://www.valco.fi/en
I currently use Monoprice BT-600ANC headphones. They’re not too expensive and the ANC punches way above its price class, can be used with a wire if you want, have great battery life, and most importantly don’t require an app.
Shure aonic 50 (gen2) while there is an app you can activate transparency mode and anv with a slider oob.